Missionary Lessons from Francisco Penzotti
Francisco Penzotti, a Methodist missionary to Peru and a Bible salesman for the American Bible Society
Francisco Penzotti, born September 26, 1851 in Chiavenna, Italy. His dad died when Francisco was six years old. His mother was a devout Catholic, and the parish priest took charge of Penzotti’s education. Penzotti became an altar boy in the church.
In 1864, Penzotti moved to Montevideo, Uruguay, to be with his sister-in-law. He learned Spanish and became a carpenter, opening his shop.
Marry the right person.
He met Josefa, and at 19, they were married. When Penzotti decided to marry Josefa, the Roman Catholic Church bishop demanded a hefty fee in gold. They got the money together but cooled toward the church, feeling that it was greedy. Josefa was a devoted wife willing to serve and pay whatever price to support her husband and bring the gospel to the world. They had eight children, losing one in infancy.
Give out gospel literature.
One evening, as Penzotti and some friends were partying in a rough area, a man handed Penzotti a copy of the Gospel of John. He was 24 years old and read the gospel with great interest.
Soon, one of his friends took him to the Methodist Church, where he heard John F. Thompson, a Scotchman, preach the gospel. Josefa, Penzotti’s wife, embraced the gospel but remained a Roman Catholic for the time being.
Speak personally to people about their souls.
The preaching led to a deep spiritual crisis for Penzotti, but he didn’t trust Jesus as his Savior until two Methodist missionaries, Andrew M. Milne and Dr. Thomas B. Wood (an American missionary), spoke to him about trusting Christ.
Penzotti, from this time forward, was active in spreading the gospel. Samuel Escobar calls Penzotti an illiterate Italian, but he soon learned to read and study.1
Get out and spread the Word.
Penzotti soon became a “colporteur.” A colporteur is a person who travels from place to place, selling or distributing religious literature, typically on behalf of a particular religious organization or church. They often engage in door-to-door sales, evangelism, and fundraising activities.
Penzotti traveled on horseback all over South America, taking Bibles with him. He founded much of the Methodist work in Latin America.
Start where you are
Penzotti started the work where he got saved in Montevideo. Penzotti was so active the Catholic priests slandered his name, and someone set fire to his carpentry shop. And, of course, the police had no idea who or what had happened.
Grow as God opens doors.
Thomas B. Wood sends Penzotti to the Valdensian Colony of La Paz Villa, accepting their call as their pastor.
He accepted the call of the Christians from the Valdensian Colony of La Paz Villa. He showed great faith and dedication in serving the Christians from the Valdensian Colony of La Paz Villa as a pastor, despite some being bothered by his being a Methodist evangelist.
Shortly, Penzotti would be off on his evangelistic tours.
Summary
When you read a biography, you can draw out truths you might apply to your life. I love Francisco Penzotti. He is a great hero of the faith, and God used him extensively in Peru and even in Arequipa, where my family has invested so many years.
Go over the truths highlighted in this brief article.
Marriage will make or break you.
If you marry the right person together, you will be used by God. I have met many older adults who surrendered to missions as young people and then married someone who had no interest in going somewhere else in the world to preach the gospel. Date right. Marry right. Live out what God has for you.
Give out gospel literature.
Today, many think that giving our gospel literature accomplishes very little, yet in this story, you see how God used the gospel of John to change a man’s life, which would shake South America.
Share the literature. The Holy Spirit is responsible for convicting, but you can give literature to individuals who may be convicted and saved. It still works today.
Speak personally to people about their souls.
More than pulpit work is required. People need someone to show genuine interest in them and guide them to the next step. Two missionaries spoke with Penzotti, and God used that to change his life. Someone needs your Word, your testimony, and your influence.
Then get involved in discipling new believers. Christianity is community. We need each other. Help someone else grow.
Get out and spread the Word.
Penzotti couldn’t get enough. He had to go out and show others what he was learning. He took a job with little or no respect to bring the gospel into the hands of others.
Start where you are
A big mistake new believers and Christian workers make is thinking they are going somewhere to do something. Get to work where you are. Talk to your family, your friends, and your neighbors. Work in your local church. Take every job they offer and develop your gifts and abilities.
Grow as God opens doors.
Start where you are and do what God has for you, and He will slowly open doors and move you further. Do not sit still. Wait on God, but move every time He opens the door for you. Seize every opportunity.
Sources
Conflict In Missions By Kessler
Explorations in Italian Protestantism
La Gente de la Iglesia Methodista
The People of the Methodist Church
Footnotes
Samuel Escobar, “Protestantism Explodes,” Christian History Magazine-Issue 35: Columbus & Christianity in the Americas (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, 1992).
Thank you
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